TODAY'S HEADLINES

Thursday, April 24, 2024

DA candidates spar at local forum

Mark Berryman

news@wsgcradio.com 

While there may not have been any knockout punches thrown on Tuesday night, incumbent Parks White and challenger David Jordan did go toe-to-toe with one another at the Elberton Star-WSGC Radio political forum held in the Rock Gym.

Jordan wasted no time going on the attack, claiming the Northern Judicial Circuit District Attorney currently had a 5,300 case backlog and that many of those cases would never go to trial due to the amount of time since the charges had been filed and lack of evidence.

White countered, saying many of the cases Jordan referred to were dead cases (inactive) or bench warrants and questioned where the challenger got his facts from. White did say the DA’s office had a lot of cases, but said his offices move 50 cases a week just to stay current.

During questioning, the candidates were asked about current staffing. Jordan claimed the NJC DA’s office only had two assistant DA’s as of Dec. 31, 2023 and that White struggled to recruit and retain assistant district attorneys. He also said White should be trying the cases instead of the assistants. White again questioned where Jordan got his facts from, stating his office had more than two assistant district attorneys and that Jordan himself stated in Lavonia that he would not try cases as a DA if elected.

When asked about working with local law enforcement, Jordan said White did not get along with local law enforcement and had letters to that affect. Jordan said, “That’s what’s wrong. The DA is supposed to work with law enforcement, not contrary to law enforcement. How will I do it? I’ll do it like I’ve done in local government for years. I’ll have an open door policy. I will be negotiable. I will be approachable. I will b friendly. I will not be a jerk.”

White countered, saying his office worked exceptionally well with law enforcement in all five counties and would continue to do so. White said he was currently working with local law enforcement on an armed robbery case and that his office also works well with the GBI and recently was at a crime scene wearing his vest and carrying an AR-15.

When asked about prioritizing cases, White said his office first prosecutes cases involving children, then those incarcerated in the local jail to save taxpayers money, and also victims of violent crimes. “The cases that we prioritize are cases involving children because you don’t want to re-traumatize children so we try to make sure those cases get on the docket and get through court first,” said White. He also discussed how the DA handles drug cases.

Jordan said the cases needed to be graded after discussing them with local law enforcement and that hiring a full staff was necessary.

Early voting begins April 29 and Primary Election Day is May 21.

Probate/Magistrate Judge candidates vie for votes at forum

Ashley Cable

news@wsgcradio.com

In the local political forum held on April 23, the community witnessed an exchange between candidates Tina Scoggins and Stephanie Hewell for the Probate/Magistrate Judge seat. With each candidate granted two minutes for introductions as well as closings, and one minute for answering questions, the event provided insight into their qualifications and perspectives.

Hewell made a notable statement in support of the combined Probate/Magistrate court, explaining “I believe that it has been a good thing, I feel very positive about it, and it has not been a bad thing.” Hewell also added how she is proud of how she has staffed the court to work efficiently throughout the combination of the courts. 

Later after a question about training and requirements Hewell emphasized her own training credentials, noting that she has completed the requisite 80 hours of training in civil and criminal court procedures for magistrate court, but also being certified as a probate judge, positioning herself as well-prepared for the role.

On the other side of the debate, Scoggins leaned on her extensive 33-year experience in the magistrate court system, highlighting her familiarity with the judicial processes. In response to questions about training for the probate court, Scoggins pledged to undergo all necessary training within the seven-month timeframe prescribed by the state, should she be elected.

Additionally, in Scoggins closing statement she mentioned “The position is a demanding, complex, and time consuming job. You have to love it if you are going to do it, and trust me I love it. This is where my heart is, so please hear my heart.”

The forum served as a platform for the candidates to showcase their qualifications and ideologies. Hewell's endorsement of the combined court system reflects her confidence in its efficiency, while Scoggins' emphasis on her decades-long experience in the Magistrate court underscores her commitment to the judicial process.

As the primary election approaches, voters will have to weigh the candidates' differing perspectives and qualifications to determine who will best serve the community as the next Probate/Magistrate judge.

Mark Berryman

news@wsgcradio.com 

As part of a 45-minute presentation at Monday’s City Council meeting in Bowman, Bill Powell of the Georgia Rural Water Association strongly urged the mayor and council to raise the rates they charge for water as well as connection and tap fees.

Along with overall rate increases, Powell also said the city needed to have different rates for commercial customers than it does for residential. The city’s current rate schedule is the same for both.

While the suggested base rate would actually be lower than the current rate, $13 for water and $19 for sewer, the difference would be made up in the charge for water used. Customers using up to 1,000 gallons of water would see less than a one percent increase while those using 4,000 gallons would see a 9.69 percent increase with the monthly bill going from $59.80 to $65.60.

Those using 5,000 gallons would see a 13.99 percent increase. If adopted, the new rates would affect commercial users the most since they tend to be larger water users.

Powell presented council with an example using one of the poultry houses the city currently serves. A current bill shows the poultry house used 208,500 gallons of water and was charged $728.78. Using the proposed rate change, the bill would go to $1,613.75, an increase of 121.43 percent.

A 24-unit apartment complex is currently paying $235.47 for 72,000 gallons of water. The updated rate would have the complex pay $557.40, an increase of 136.72 percent.

Powell also told council member that tap fees and connection fees needed to be adjusted so the city is recouping the actual cost of those services.

Council members are expected to hold a public hearing on the proposed changes prior to the new rates taking effect.

Thursday, April 25

• Lady Devils Volleyball Camp, 3-5 p.m., ECMS gym
• ECSD Community Literacy Night, 5:30-7 p.m., ECMS
• Elberton City Council called meeting, 5:30 p.m., Elberton City Hall
• Finding Nemo Kids play, 7 p.m., Elberton Arts Center

Friday, April 26

• Eighth Annual Catfish Tournament, 5:30-6:45 p.m. check-in, Bobby Brown State Park Day Use Area
• Unsung Hero movie, 7 p.m., Elbert Theatre
• Finding Nemo Kids play, 7 p.m., Elberton Arts Center

Saturday, April 27

• Eighth Annual Catfish Tournament weigh-in/awards, 7:30-8:30 a.m. Bobby Brown State Park Day Use Area
• Bobby Brown Spring Market, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Day Use Area
• Spring Unity Festival, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Blackwell Memorial Gym
• Unsung Hero movie, 7 p.m., Elbert Theatre
• Finding Nemo Kids play, 7 p.m., Elberton Arts Center

Sunday, April 28

• Unsung Hero movie, 2 p.m., Elbert Theatre
• Finding Nemo Kids play, 2 p.m., Elberton Arts Center

Send Community Calendar event notices to

news@wsgcradio.com or call 706-283-1400